It’s a day to reflect and strive for change.
The Campbell River and North Island Transition Society (CRNITS) is inviting locals to a vigil at Spirit Square, coinciding with the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
It starts at noon this coming Monday (Dec. 6), as people locally and beyond gather to remember those who’ve experienced gender-based violence, as well as those who’ve died because of it.
“Take a moment to consider what actions you can take to stand up against misogyny, sexism and hate to foster a culture of respect,” says Diane Palmer.
The public relations coordinator for the CRNITS is thinking back 32 years, when 14 young women were murdered on Dec. 6, 1989, at Polytechnique Montréal.
“We are holding a vigil to remember them and to help create change beyond that, and have people understand about violence today,” Palmer tells My Campbell River Now.
“We’re not that far off from things like this happening still, even with the changes that have been created in the past 30 years.”
In Canada and around the world, Palmer says women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ and gender diverse individuals continue to face unacceptable violence and discrimination.
She points to gender-based violence being amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, as police, shelters and local organizations report an increase in violence calls since its onset.
“Intimate partner and family violence increase during disaster and emergencies, both in prevalence and severity,” Palmer explains.
She says the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women occurs during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on Nov. 25.
“Each day features an action that you can take that will help to create change in gender-based violence and discrimination,” Palmer adds. “We’re hoping that things will progress even past those 16 days, where people will continue to be mindful of their actions.”
For more information about the 16 Days of Activism, visit the CRNITS’ Facebook page or this website.
